ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Civil Aviation
PROMOTING AFFORDABILITY OF REGIONAL AIR CONNECTIVITY IS ENVISIONED UNDER UDAN
Licensing of Aerodrome for operationalising RCS flights requires compliances with regulations stipulated by DGCA and BCAS. Selected Airline operator is required to obtain necessary approvals and certification from DGCA for commencement of flights.
Promoting affordability of regional air connectivity is envisioned under UDAN by supporting Selected Airline Operators  through concessions by the Central Government, State Governments/UTs and airport operators to reduce the cost of airline operations on regional routes and providing financial  support to meet the gap. The concessions offered under the scheme are as under:
Airport operators:
i) Airport operators will not levy Landing and Parking Charges on RCS Flights.
ii) AAI shall not levy any Terminal Navigation Landing Charges  on RCS Flights.
iii) Route Navigation and Facilitation Charges  will be levied by AAI on a discounted basis @ 42.50%
of Normal Rates on RCS Flights.
iv) Selected Airline operators  will be allowed self-ground handling for operations under the Scheme at all airports.
Central Government:
i) Excise Duty at the rate of 2% will be levied on Aviation Turbine Fuel  purchased by SAOs from RCS Airports for initial period of three years from the date of notification of this scheme.
ii) SAOs will have the freedom to enter into code sharing arrangements with both domestic as well as international airlines.
States Government at RCS Airports within their States:
i) Reduce VAT to 1% or less on ATF at RCS Airports located within the states for a period of 10 years.
ii) Provide minimum land, if required, free of cost and free from encumbrances for development of RCS
Airports and provide multi-modal hinterland connectivity as required.
iii) Provide security and fire services free of cost at RCS Airports.
iv) Providing or cause to be provided, electricity, water and other utility services at substantially concessional
rates at RCS Airports.
v) Provide a certain share  of
determined VGF.
Some of the challenges affecting the establishment of airports and their operational efficiency are as under:
i. Delay in making land available by the State Governments.
ii. Delay on the part of the new companies to comply with regulatory requirements
iii. Non-availability of suitable aircraft.
iv. Leasing issues which include long lead time for delivery of small aircraft and challenges around procuring of spares from outside the country.
Some of the measures taken to address the infrastructure gaps and ensure adequate facilities for air travel in remote regions are as under:
i. Periodic review of all stakeholders on the progress of development/upgradation works at airports.
ii. NSOP operations allowed in fixed wing seaplanes and helicopters.
This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Gen.  V. K. Singh  in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
1.03 crore LPG Consumers have Voluntarily Surrendered LPG Subsidy
As on 12.12.2018, more than 1.03 crore LPG consumers have voluntarily surrendered their LPG subsidy under ‘GiveItUp’ campaign.
There is no proposal under consideration of the Government to revise or rationalize the subsidy rates of domestic LPG consumers in the country. The Government continues to modulate the effective price of Domestic LPG supplied to consumers. Details of Retail Selling Price of 14.2 kg LPG cylinder at Delhi during the year 2014-18 are as under –
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Year
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Subsidised RSP at Delhi
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2015-16
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₹ 417.82 - ₹ 419.33
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2016-17
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₹ 419.13 - ₹ 434.93
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2017-18
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₹ 440.90 - ₹ 495.69
Domestic LPG prices are revised every month in line with international price of LPG with corresponding revision in monthly LPG subsidy under PAHAL Scheme. Entire subsidy burden is borne by the Government.
PMUY beneficiaries are entitled to get subsidy under PAHAL Scheme. Applicable subsidy is transferred directly to the bank account of beneficiary upon purchase of refill at non-subsidised price. OMCs have reported that PMUY beneficiaries have purchased 22,91,66,657 refills as of 30.11.2018. Details of average subsidy per cylinder on domestic LPG during the year 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19  are as under –
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Particulars
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2016-17
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2017-18
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2018-19 
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Average Subsidy 
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₹ 108.78
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₹ 173.41
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₹ 219.12
OMCs have reported that all distributors, except Durgam Kshetriya Vitraks, are under instructions to make home delivery of LPG cylinders in their authorised area of operation including rural areas. Further, with a view to strengthen the LPG distribution infrastructure and distributorship/cylinders at doorsteps, OMCs have recently advertised more than 6400 locations across the country, which are mostly in rural areas.
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Year
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2016
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2017
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2018
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As on 01.12.2018
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LPG coverage as on 1st April
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61.9 %
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72.8 %
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80.9 %
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89.5 %
This information was given by Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan in a written reply to the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Culture
TWO DAYS INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AT HAMPI ON TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE - “DEVĀYATANAM – AN ODYSSEY OF INDIAN TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE” BY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA 
As a part of nation-wide Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration, Archaeological Survey of India  is organizing a two days international conference titled as “Devāyatanam – An odyssey of Indian temple architecture” on 25-26th February, 2022 at Hampi .
The Conference will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Culture Shri G Kishan Reddy. The Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Culture, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal will address the conference virtually.
The inaugural session will take place at Pattabhirama Temple, Hampi while academic sessions will be held in Auditorium, Kannada University, Hampi. The chosen venue, Hampi served as the capital of the great medieval era empire of Vijayanagara for more than two centuries from 1336 to 1556 CE.
Temple has always been an integral part of the Indian life and its ecosystem in its own ways. Temple construction was practiced as a pious act not only in the subcontinent but the idea also travelled to the nearest neighborhood such as south-east and east Asia, therefore, it becomes an interesting study as to how the art and technique of temple architecture spread from India to other regions and how this art was modified, to suit the local requirements and also how it in turn inspired the development of new architectural styles.
The conference aims to deliberate upon the philosophical, religious, social, economic, technical, scientific, art and architectural aspects of temple. It also intends to initiate a dialogue on the evolution and development of the various styles of temple architecture such as the Nagara, Vesara, Dravida, Kalinga and others.
Various sessions of discussions will be held during the conference to cover various aspects of Indian temple architecture i.e. Temple- From the formless to form, Temple- Evolution of temple architecture, Temple-Regional development forms and styles, Temple-Epicenter of art, culture, education, administration and economy, Temple-Protector of environment, Temple- Culture diffusion in South east Asia.
The conference will be beneficial for scholars, students of Indian history, archeology, culture and architecture and general public. The aim of the conference would be creating interest among scholars and students alike, to learn and respect our heritage.
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebration is an embodiment of India's socio-cultural, political and economic identity and progress since independence.
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
Clinton stands up to bullies and wins hearts at IFFI-53
“It is as important for adults to watch children’s films, as it is for children.”- Clinton Director Prithviraj Das Gupta
#IFFIWood, 27 November 2022
“Earlier I would be angry with my parents for sending me to boarding school, now I am grateful as it helped me make my film.”, said Director Prithviraj Das Gupta while interacting at an 'IFFI Table Talks' session at the 53rd edition of the International Film Festival of India . His film, Clinton is inspired from his own experiences at a boarding school in Kalimpong, West Bengal.
The film about the kindness and courage displayed by 10 year-old Clinton as he stands up to the school bully, is a lesson in how children view the world, and respond to it. Clinton is a non-feature English language film which is part of the Indian Panorama section at IFFI 53.
Director Prithviraj Das Gupta went on to say, “Only I could have told this story, as it is my reality, and I could bring an authenticity to this story.” It was the director’s second outing at IFFI, as his first film was also screened at a previous edition of IFFI.
He spoke of how he hoped that the film will be screened not only at schools but also at venues where adult audiences can watch it He noted that it is important for adults to see this film, and other children’s films to understand how children behave the way they do. He further said, “Often adults dismiss children’s problems, they don’t understand how important small things are for children, and the impact they leave on them.” With Clinton he hopes to capture the innocence of children on screen, and also reminisce about his childhood in Kalimpong.PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Gautam/Jayanti/Darshana | IFFI 53 - 140
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Ministry of Power
9th India-Japan Energy Dialogue held in New Delhi; both countries agree to work together for energy security, energy access and climate change issues
Both countries agree to initiate the discussion on Electric Vehicles  and commit to work together in promoting well-functioning energy markets
The 9th India Japan Energy Dialogue was held in New Delhi, today. Minister of State for Power and New &Renewable Energy, Shri R.K Singh, and Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry  Mr. Hiroshige Sekosigned a Joint Statement at the conclusion of the meeting.
Both Japan and India, as the third and the seventh largest economies respectively, recognized that having access to reliable, clean and economical energy is critical for their economic growth and in achieving this, both Ministers agreed on further strengthening of bilateral energy cooperation for energy development of both countries, while also contributing to worldwide energy security, energy access and climate change issues.
Both India and Japan with a view to implement Nationally Determined Contributions  under the aegis of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change  recognized the importance of development and deployment of next generation technologies including hydrogen to realize de-carbonization.
Both India and Japan appreciated the relevance of the grid stability given the high penetration of variable renewable energy. Both countries agreed to initiate the discussion towards development of Electric Vehicles  by collaborating with "Policy dialogue on next generation/Zero emission vehicles".
Both India and Japan reiterated the continued importance of coal-based electricity generation in the energy mix in both the countries and also agreed to promote the cooperation on environmental measures for coal-fired power plants.
Both India and Japan further confirmed their commitment to work together in promoting well-functioning energy markets and affirmed to promote transparent and diversified Liquefied Natural Gas  market through the relaxation of destination clause.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
National Startup Awards 2022 to be announced on 16th January 2023
Awards to recognize startups and enablers for their outstanding performance
A special award category introduced this year to recognize startups in Hilly and North-East region of India
Cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each to winning startups
Rs 15 lakh cashprice to one exceptional Incubator and one Accelerator
The results of National Startup Awards 2022 will be announced by Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution & Textiles in the presence of Shri Som Parkash, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry on 16th January 2023 in New Delhi.
Shri Goyal will also launch the MAARG platform , which will facilitate mentorship between startups and entrepreneurs across sectors, stages, and functions. The matchmaking phase of the portal, which will be launched on the occasion, will allow startups to connect with mentors and discuss their mentorship needs.
The third edition of awards, National Startup Awards 2022 will reward outstanding startups and enablers which have demonstrated exceptional capabilities not just in terms of financial gains, but also for the measurable impact for the society.
The winning and finalist startups will benefit from the support exnteded for their business growth, mentorship, funding, partnerships, market access opportunities, that will further enable them to serve as a role model for other entrepreneurs. The winning startups will also be given a cash prize of INR 5 lakh each. One exceptional Incubator and one Accelerator each will also get a cash prize of INR 15 lakh.
To recognize the efforts made by startups in the Hilly Regions and North-East region of India, a separate special category was introduced this year. This category is in addition to the special categories for women – led startups, startups creating rural impact, startups innovating for content delivery in Indic languages, startups working on solutions with potential for import substitution and innovations for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The National Startup Awards 2022 invited applications across 17 sectors which were further divided into 50 sub sectors, and 7 special categories. The sectors included Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Construction, Drinking Water, Education & Skill Development, Energy, Enterprise Technology, Environment, Fintech, Food Processing, Health & Wellness, Media and entertainment, Industry 4.0, Security, Space, Transport and Travel.
The National Startup Awards 2020 and 2021 have recognized 367 startups as winners and finalists, who have been supported in growing their business and creating large scale impact in the country and globally.
Ministry of Railways
Special train to run between Kolkata & Amritsar
Kolkata, April 6, 2021
For the convenience of the passengers, a Special train will run between Kolkata & Amritsar.
02317 Kolkata-Amritsar Special will leave Kolkata on every Sunday & Wednesday at 07:40 am between April 18, 2021 & June 30, 2021 to reach Amritsar at 5:20 pm the next day. 02318 Amritsar-Kolkata Special will leave Amritsar on every Tuesday & Friday at 05:55 am between April 20, 2021 & July 2, 2021 to reach Kolkata at 2:45 pm the next day.
The train will stop at Asansol, Madhupur, Jasidih, Jhajha, Kiul, Mokameh Jn., Patna Saheb, Patna, Pandit Dindayal Upadhyaya Jn., Varanasi, Sultanpur, Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad, Najibabad Jn., Saharanpur Jn., Ambala Cantt, Sirhind Jn., Ludhiana, Jalandhar City and Beas Stations en route in both directions.
The date of booking of tickets for the above special Train will be notified shortly.
SSS/
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
We must continue working together to find solutions for common problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic : Shri Gangwar addressing G-20 Labour and Employment Ministers' Meet
The Minister of State  for Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Gangwar has called upon all G-20 members to continue to work together for finding solutions to the common problems resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Shri Gangwar was speaking at Virtual Meeting of G-20 Labour and Employment Ministers late last evening through Video Conferencing.
He pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a new normal and changed the way we used to function.
Referring to region specific measures to contain the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, he underlined that to mitigate the problems of the workers, India encouraged its employers for payment of wages to their workers. Shri Gangwar added that adequate arrangements were made to provide temporary shelters, food and medical facilities to the migrant labourers. In order to facilitate distribution of food grains to migrant workers, Shri Gangwar also informed that Indian Government has launched one nation, one ration card scheme. COVID-19 and its impact have also been discussed in the G20 and the declaration also lists out the measures to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the labour market.
Shri Gangwar also appreciated the efforts of the Saudi Presidency in developing the G20 Youth Roadmap 2025. The indicators relating to youth which have been identified for the first time at the G20 Forum will help us to assess the outcomes on the progress of youth in the labour market. Shri Gangwar also conveyed India's firm belief that encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and industry led skill development are the key drivers of youth development.
In India, he said Social Security coverage in the formal sector is provided through an effective and financially viable contributory system. For providing social security to workers in informal sector, he informed that India has launched a unique Voluntary Pension Scheme for unorganised workers, where government gives an equal matching contribution.
Appreciating that the universally relevant issue of gender equality is again the focus of G20 this year, he informed the meeting that to encourage women labour force participation in India, women are now allowed to work during the night time in all the establishments including mines with adequate safety and their consent. To promote women entrepreneurs, we are providing collateral-free loans to women to start their own business, Shri Gangwar added.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
FUNCTIONING OF MUNICIPAL BODIES
Urban Development is a State subject. However, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs  facilitates and assists the States/Union Territories  through its flagship Missions/ Schemes - Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation 2.0 , Smart Cities Mission , Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 , Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission , Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban  and Urban Transport  projects. The Schemes are implemented in accordance with the Mission / Scheme guidelines and funds are released to the State/ UT Governments and not to Urban Local Bodies .
Capacity building is one of the important components under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation  launched in June, 2015 and AMRUT 2.0 launched in October, 2021 consisting of individual and institutional capacity building. Institutional arrangements that support Missions implementation have been funded from State Administrative & Office Expense  funds, including ongoing Comprehensive Capacity Building Programme . States have been encouraged to take up extensive Capacity Building activities for their Urban Local Bodies  to achieve urban reforms and implement projects in Mission mode. Under the AMRUT mission target of training 45,000 municipal functionaries, around 57,134 municipal functionaries have been given Capacity Building trainings. 11,101 municipal functionaries and elected representatives have been trained under AMRUT 2.0.
In addition, SBM-U has developed a dedicated National Capacity Building Framework for Garbage Free Cities under SBM-U 2.0. The framework covers all aspects of administrative and technical capacity building and skill development projects under SBM-U 2.0. There are multiple expert agencies/ institutions which are empanelled and on boarded by MoHUA for undertaking specific Capacity Building activities at the State/UT and City level.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Housing & Urban Affairs, Shri Kaushal Kishore, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Minister of Commerce & Industry engages with 12 State/UTs and reviews status of COVID management including Oxygen availability and usage
As part of Union Government’s coordinated strategy for effective containment and management of the COVID-19 pandemic, a high level review meeting was chaired by Cabinet Secretary today. Member , NITI Aayog, Union Health Secretary, Secretary, Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, senior officials of the Health Ministry, Ministry of Home Affairs and Chief Secretaries of the 12 State/UTs participated in the review meeting. The 12 States/UT that participated in the VC include Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Chandigarh, Telangana, Kerala, Delhi, Punjab and West Bengal. About 80% of the COVID caseload in the country is concentrated in these States/UTs.
Minister of Commerce & Industry also addressed the States and reviewed the oxygen availability in these states. He specifically requested them to focus on analysing district level and health facility level status and effectively plan and manage logistical issues related with Oxygen availability. He also urged them to share their best practices which in turn can be emulated by other States/UTs in the country.
The Cabinet Secretary while complementing the States for significantly ramping up testing, expressed concern that the case fatality rates of several States are still higher than that of the national average. He urged the States to analyse mortalities district and hospital wise for identification of critical areas of intervention. He also exhorted the states to ensure optimal utilization of RT-PCR capacity. He underlined the need for ensuring that no symptomatic negative case  is missed and all such cases are mandatorily administered RT-PCR test.
Union Health Secretary presented a detailed status note of COVID-19 on all these states with particular focus on the number of tests being conducted in each State/UT, their positivity rate and their average daily CFR, availability of health infrastructure and their district wise Oxygen availability.
Special Service and Features
Pre event activities of AMRITPEX 2023 - Mini exhibition at Chennai
As a part of Pre event activities of AMRITPEX 2023, a mini exhibition will be conducted at Philatelic Bureau, Anna Road, Head Post Office – 600 002 from 26.01.2023 to 28.01.2023. In this exhibition, Stamps and Special covers on various themes like GI tag products, unsung heroes of freedom struggle of Tamilnadu, India & International relationships etc. will be exhibited. Various philatelic ancillaries will be released during this period and philatelic activities for children will also be conducted. Philatelists, Students and General Public are requested to utilized this opportunity to buy and preserve this special covers issued recognizing GI products and Unsung Heroes from philatelic Bureau, Chennai.
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